Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs have secured their fifth Super Bowl appearance in the last six seasons after defeating the Buffalo Bills 31-28 in the AFC Championship Game. The victory marked the Chiefs’ fourth consecutive win over the Bills since Buffalo drafted quarterback Josh Allen.

Following the dramatic conference title game, Mahomes spoke to the media and expressed his sympathy for Allen and the Bills, acknowledging the heartbreaking loss. He offered an apology to Allen while praising the Bills quarterback as an “awesome person” and “incredible competitor.”

“I always feel for him,” Mahomes said, as quoted by Zak Keefer. “He’s a great player, an amazing competitor, and an awesome guy whom I respect so much. I’m sorry it had to be us. But, you know, we compete, and someone has to win.”

As the Bills shift their focus to the offseason, the Chiefs prepare for a chance to make NFL history by becoming the first team in the modern era to win three consecutive Super Bowl titles. Kansas City will face the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX on 9 February, entering the game as a 1.5-point favourite, according to ESPN BET.

During the victory over Buffalo, Mahomes delivered a strong performance, throwing for 245 yards and one touchdown, completing 18 of 26 pass attempts. He also contributed significantly on the ground, rushing for 43 yards and two touchdowns, making him the team’s second-leading rusher in the game.